Taxi drivers in Winneba in the Effutu Municipality of the Central Region have declared a sit-down strike over a directive by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Rev Arthur Mensah preventing them from implementing the newly approved 8 per cent transport fare increase.
The drivers are demanding that the MCE withdraw from the fare dispute, arguing that rising fuel prices and vehicle maintenance costs have made it increasingly difficult to operate under the old fares.
They claim the MCE has instructed them not to implement the 8 per cent adjustment announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
The directive has reportedly angered the drivers, who say they continue to bear the rising cost of running their vehicles without being allowed to adjust their fares.
Speaking to Adom News, some of the aggrieved drivers argued that the MCE does not bear the cost of purchasing fuel and maintaining their vehicles and should therefore not prevent them from charging the approved fares.
They are appealing to the municipal authorities to allow them to implement the adjustment, insisting that the increase is necessary to help them cope with rising operational expenses.
However, Rev. Arthur Mensah has defended his decision, saying the directive was prompted by reports that some drivers were charging passengers increases of up to 40 per cent instead of the approved 8 per cent.
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